UI suspends 16 law students over harassment probe
The decision followed an internal memo on an Investigation Follow-up Plan issued by the university’s Violence Prevention and Handling (PPK) Task Force on April 15, 2026.
The task force formally recommended the temporary suspension of academic status for the 16 reported students.
“This step is part of our commitment to ensuring an objective investigation process, protecting all parties involved, and maintaining a conducive academic environment,” UI Spokesperson Erwin Agustian Panigoro said in a statement on Wednesday.
He said the measure is a preventive administrative action aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the investigation and minimizing potential interference.
During the suspension, the students are barred from participating in all academic activities, including lectures, academic advising and other campus-based learning processes.
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They are also prohibited from entering campus, except when required for questioning by the task force or for urgent matters, and only under university supervision.
The university has also restricted their involvement in student organizations and imposed close monitoring to prevent direct or indirect contact with victims or witnesses during the investigation.
The case involves a digital group chat allegedly containing sexually explicit and demeaning comments targeting women, including female students and lecturers.
The content has circulated widely on social media, drawing public scrutiny and prompting swift institutional action.
Indonesian law defines non-physical sexual harassment as behavior such as offensive jokes, whistling or other actions that cause discomfort to victims.
UI said it will continue to handle the case in accordance with national regulations and internal procedures.
The university also reiterated its commitment to fostering a safe academic environment free from all forms of harassment.
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Translator: Feru Lantara, Resinta Sulistiyandari